A few days later, in the Lush Forest
Not far from the Alpha Pokémon's lair, a towering cliff loomed with a waterfall cascading down its face. Below, a crystal-clear pool reflected the surrounding forest, its gentle currents flowing to an unknown destination.
At the base of the waterfall, a massive Ursaring sat on a large rock, its muscular frame taut as it endured the relentless force of the falling water. Thanks to its powerful physique, the crashing torrent could do little to move the stoic bear Pokémon.
Nearby, a much smaller Elekid launched itself from the pool below, colliding with the waterfall's might. Perched next to Ursaring, it struggled to stabilize itself by generating an electromagnetic field around its body.
One second… two seconds… three seconds… ten…
"Bzzzt!"
With a splash, the Elekid lost its footing and tumbled back into the pool, defeated once more.
"Bzzt! Bzzt!"
Emerging from the water, its eyes blazed with determination. Watching the immovable Ursaring, it bristled with frustration.
Why can that big guy endure so easily while I can't?
Fueled by its fiery resolve, the Elekid charged back into the waterfall. Over and over, it threw itself against the rushing water, determined to conquer this challenge.
"I'm the best! I'm unstoppable! I'm number one!"
If one listened closely, they might hear Elekid muttering these mantras under its breath as it fought on.
Thus, the two Pokémon continued their relentless battle against nature, using the waterfall's power to push their limits and grow stronger.
Earlier, Paul had discovered this waterfall during their training session and decided to release the three Bug Pokémon he had captured earlier, shifting his focus to honing Ursaring and Elekid's physical and combat skills using the waterfall.
This "waterfall training" technique proved effective across various Pokémon worlds. If not for the need to continue his journey and the limited supplies he carried, Paul would have stayed here even longer.
While his Pokémon trained, Paul wasn't idle either. Sitting cross-legged under a tree near the pool, he closed his eyes in meditation. However, his body wasn't touching the ground; instead, he floated about 20 centimeters above it.
To an unknowing observer, Paul might seem like a magician or even a psychic.
But Paul was neither. If anything, he could be considered a martial artist or athlete. What he was practicing wasn't psychic meditation but a form of yoga.
In the Pokémon world, yoga wasn't merely a method for relaxation and self-care. It was a technique that could awaken latent strength, unlock physical potential, and enhance one's abilities.
This connection was evident in moves like Meditate and abilities like Pure Power:
Meditate: Awakens dormant strength deep within, boosting the user's Attack.
Pure Power: Harnesses the power of yoga to double the user's physical attack strength.
One Pokémon that epitomized the power of yoga was Medicham, a Psychic- and Fighting-type known for its mastery of both mental and physical balance.
If meditation enhanced inner spiritual strength, yoga focused on external physical power by tapping into the user's spirit.
Unlike meditation, which required innate psychic ability, yoga was far more accessible, making it an ideal choice for Paul.
Paul had first learned yoga during his travels with Reggie, staying at a dojo that specialized in the art. Since then, he preferred yoga's calm and steady approach to improving his physical condition, finding it also helped sharpen his mind.
After some time, Paul landed on the ground and opened his eyes. Walking to the pool's edge, he observed his Pokémon's progress.
Ursaring, despite its incredible endurance, was visibly fatigued after sitting under the waterfall for so long. The dual strain on its body and mind was taking its toll.
Elekid, though smaller, was no less determined. Its repeated attempts left it battered and bruised, but its fighting spirit remained undiminished.
"That's enough for now. Take a break," Paul commanded, returning the two Pokémon to their Poké Balls. He then released them near a pile of berries he had prepared.
"Ursaring!"
"Bzzt!"
The two Pokémon exchanged a glance before ravenously devouring the berries. In no time, the pile disappeared, their strength quickly replenished. Satisfied, they lay on the ground, patting their full stomachs.
Over the past few days, Ursaring had come to fully trust Paul.
Paul's training methods were clear and effective, yielding visible progress. More importantly, Paul always ensured they had enough food and care after every session. For Ursaring, this was a stark contrast to trainers who often neglected such basics.
Paul noticed Ursaring's gaze of approval. "Don't get complacent. Rest doesn't mean slacking off. Sit cross-legged like I was earlier."
"Bzzt!"
"Ursaring!"
The two Pokémon quickly adjusted their postures, sitting upright with legs crossed.
"Now, I'll teach you some basic yoga poses. Follow my instructions. These will help calm your mind, restore your energy, and aid your training."
Hearing this, the Pokémon's eyes lit up with interest.
"Close your eyes, relax your mind, and let go of any tension. Focus on your body—on a hand, a foot, or a specific muscle. Feel the unique rhythm and energy within yourself…"
Paul began guiding them through simple yoga and meditation techniques. He didn't expect immediate results; even slight improvements in their mental recovery would be enough.
However, Paul underestimated his Pokémon's tendencies.
Perhaps it was the serene atmosphere, but within ten minutes, both Ursaring and Elekid had fallen asleep, snoring softly under the shade.
Paul smirked but let them rest, using the time to read a book.
After about twenty minutes, he set the book down. "Wake up! If you've had enough sleep, it's time to get back to training."
"Ursaring!"
"Bzzt!"
Startled, the Pokémon quickly stood up, ready to continue.
"Resume your previous exercises. This time, focus on standing poses that tighten your muscles and channel your strength. Try to push your limits."
As the training continued, Ursaring's body began emitting a faint red glow. Its muscles tightened further, radiating raw power.
"Bulk Up," Paul murmured, impressed.
The move allowed the user to flex its muscles, increasing both Attack and Defense. Ursaring had successfully learned it through the intense waterfall training.
"Good. Hold on to that feeling and keep practicing until it becomes second nature," Paul encouraged.
"Ursaring!"
Inspired by Ursaring's success, Elekid redoubled its efforts. After several attempts, it too began glowing, its body surging with newfound strength.
Elekid had learned Work Up, a move that heightened both Attack and Special Attack.
"Great work, both of you. Keep honing these moves—they'll be crucial in future battles."
With their training goals achieved, Paul began planning their next journey. It was time to leave the Eterna Forest behind.
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